A Sydney-based online retailer will deploy cyclists to deliver 'try on at home' spectacles to curious consumers.
In a bid to boost business and appeal to time conscious 'busy fashionistas', the Sneaking Duck eyewear company has launched a new service which combines elements associated with in-store retailing.
CEO and co-founder Mark Capps said innovations that make online retail engaging, convenient and improve on bricks and mortar experiences, are the brand's top priority.
The website allows customers to enter their eye prescription details and then choose from a wide variety of frame styles and colours.
Ex-Google agency operations leader in Asia Pacific, Capps, said although Sneaking Duck already offers customers virtual try on technology to see how the frames fit using a photo of themselves, they wanted to offer more.
“To then be able to try your top five frames on at home is the ultimate in convenience,” Capps said. "Glasses are the most prominent accessory you wear, so seeing yourself in them - online or offline, is so important.”
Cyclists will hand deliver the frames across the central Sydney area and Capps said Sneaking Duck may expand the programme across Australia later in 2012.
Capps said the service allows people to try on the glasses with various outfits and to seek opinions of others before buying online.
Frames and coated prescription lenses cost $180 a pair, with subsequent pairs costing $90.
"We’re doing this because buying glasses should be fun and exciting and we want to create a truly distinctive online retail experience," Capps said. "These days people have ever busier lives and it’s not necessarily convenient to fit around store opening hours - we’re online 24/7 and with try at home you can operate on your own schedule."
Users of the service then send the frames back in the mail and once the desired design is chosen they can then enter their eye prescription details and order online.
Co-founder Jodie Fox, who also runs online business Shoes of Prey, said she has high hopes for the new initiative. “It's the perfect VIP service for busy fashionistas who like to accessorise,” Fox said.